1600 Words Graphic Introduction: Mouse Pad Types

Mouse pads may be the most overlooked computer peripherals. I see many people using any random cloth or even a piece of paper as a mouse pad.

But is it really that casual?

Why does the cursor sometimes jitter?

What kind of mouse pad should be used for gaming?

Does the material of the mouse pad affect mouse performance?

These are just some questions that even those who have been using computer mice for over ten years may not know.

Now, Diipoo will explain the birth and history of mouse pads and the types of mouse pads.

The origin of the mouse

Initially, there were no mouse pads for computer mice. In earlier years, computer mice used bottom trackballs to control the movement of computer screen cursors. At that time, there were no specific requirements for mouse pads, and not having one would hardly affect operations.

The first appearance considered a mouse pad was during the emergence of optical computer mice in the early 1980s. These optical mice had higher precision than mechanical ones.

The computer mice had to work on special optical grids printed on their dedicated mats, which limited their usage due to high costs.

It wasn’t until 1999, when Agilent (later renamed Avago) released IntelliEye optical engine, that computer mice finally didn’t require specialized mats anymore. The popularity of optical mice began from this point onwards; however, certain materials were still required for these mats.

In 2006, DEXIN introduced the world’s first wired laser mouse capable of overcoming glass obstacles (ML45). Shortly after 2008, Microsoft launched blue light technology with its Blue Track Mouse. By then, we had almost all types compatible with various kinds of computer mice available.

Gaming Mouse Pad> Game

The pursuit of a mouse pad first emerged in 2001 with the introduction of the game CS, which brought about different requirements for gamers regarding mouse pads.

At this time, it was discovered that mouse pads could be sold for $50-80, which was quite expensive nearly 20 years ago.

CS, like today’s Dota 2, could be heard in every internet cafe and dormitory with the sound of gunfights. It is not an exaggeration to say that this game gave birth to a group of early players passionate about peripheral devices. This is because FPS games require extremely precise control of the mouse, and at that time, mainstream scroll wheel computer mice clearly couldn’t meet the operational needs of some players.

A gaming mouse pad is an important computer accessory product.

Current Mouse Pads

So far, our mouse market has been dominated by optical engine computer mice (LED lighting) and laser mice (laser diode lighting). Most mice can recognize these common materials.

Currently, computer mice generally use light reflection to recognize and operate movements. Although modern mouse engines can recognize and be compatible with various types of mouse pads made from different materials, they can even function well on any desktop for daily use.

Types of Mouse Pads

Generally speaking, based on the different materials used, there are several major categories for mouse pads:

• Soft fabric mouse pads
• Rubberized cloth or rubber-based mats
• Hard surface mouse pads

Soft Mouse Pad

First, let’s talk about the most traditional cloth mouse pad. The production process of a traditional cloth mouse pad is simple: a layer of fabric is attached to a rubber base. Therefore, traditional cloth mouse pads usually comprise two parts: the fabric surface serves as the working surface for mouse movement, while the bottom rubber provides comfort and prevents the pad from sliding.

Advantages

This type of mouse pad is very common and often included as an accessory with computer purchases. The main features of cloth mouse pads are their durability, softness, long lifespan, and minimal noise when used with high-quality mice.

Almost all types of mice can be used effectively on cloth mouse pads. Additionally, they have relatively low production costs, making them one of the market’s most popular choices.

Disadvantages

However, there are also some drawbacks to using cloth pads. The main issue lies in their higher friction coefficient compared to glass or aluminum pads. This doesn’t mean that fabric surfaces are not usable; it simply means that cheaper cloth pads may lack optimal tactile feedback compared to more expensive ones on the market.

Smooth Surface vs. Rough Surface

Cloth pads can also be categorized into smooth surfaces and rough surfaces, providing different sensations when touched.

In general, rough surfaces offer better control and are suitable for games like first-person shooters (FPS).

Smooth surfaces allow for faster movements and are more suitable for games like League of Legends (LOL) or other MOBA games.

When choosing a cloth mouse pad, it’s also important to consider its thickness. Too thin pads may feel rigid during use and require thicker feet on your mouse for optimal performance.

Rubber Mouse Pad

Strictly speaking, rubber mats come in both hard and soft varieties. Due to their unique manufacturing process, different friction coefficients can be achieved with rubber mats; therefore, trial-and-error testing is necessary when selecting this type of mouse pad.

However, rubber pads are prone to wear and tear. If you engage in intense gaming sessions, a rubber pad may only last about three months before needing replacement. Also, higher-quality rubber pads are more expensive, making them less common in the market.

Hard Surface Mouse Pad

The most common types of hard surface mouse pads are made from resin, glass, or aluminum alloy materials.

Resin Mouse Pad

Gamers widely use resin mouse pads as an alternative to cloth surfaces because overly smooth or rough surfaces do not provide optimal precision for small-scale movements. Therefore, quick movements and precise braking often become conflicting performance aspects.

In such cases, resin mouse pads offer a good compromise solution.

Resin mouse pads have excellent smoothness and stability during use. They also exhibit high accuracy in positioning.

Due to their outstanding smoothness and stability during use and high positioning accuracy, resin mouse pads are commonly seen at major esports events.

Additionally, cleaning resin mouse pads is very convenient; they can be easily washed with water when dirty.

Glass Mouse Pad

Glass mouse pads are the rarest type on the market, making them quite a niche. Very few manufacturers produce this kind of mouse pad, so it is not commonly seen.

Scarcity drives up value, and considering factors such as production volume, uniqueness, and transportation costs, glass mouse pads are sold at a high price.

In terms of performance, glass mouse pads are similar to metal ones; they offer excellent smoothness. The transparent and unique texture of the glass makes it look more stylish compared to other mouse pads.

The downside is something everyone can think of: glass is highly fragile and has almost no portability.

Due to its high price and lack of portability, it requires careful handling and has earned the title of “lowest cost-performance ratio.”

Metal Mouse Pad

Among all types of mouse pads, metal ones should be the smoothest material available. They are also highly durable.

Metal mouse pads are mainly made from aluminum because other metals aren’t suitable for use as mouse pad material.

The advantages include a smooth, delicate touch with even surface texture, providing excellent glide for mice with minimal friction noise during movement.

However, metal mouse pads have their drawbacks. They cannot be bent easily, which affects their portability. Additionally, if you have sweaty hands, there’s a risk of corrosion from sweat stains. Metal surfaces may also wear down the feet of your mice faster than other materials would.

Metal mouse pads are more suitable for users who demand higher performance in gaming competitions or professional settings, like e-sports players or professionals who rely heavily on precise parameters.

Diipoo Reminder: Please carefully choose mouse pads made of metal or glass materials in winter.

Custom gaming mouse pads can receive a 10% discount.

However, a good mouse pad can indeed improve control. The benefits of a mouse pad include protecting the desktop from damage caused by mouse usage. It can also reduce the accumulation of debris on the bottom of the mouse, thereby reducing frame skipping on the monitor during mouse usage and enhancing the precise positioning of the cursor. Additionally, it minimizes external factors that may affect the mouse’s performance.

Do you need a mouse pad?

The disadvantages of not using a mouse pad are decreased accuracy in cursor positioning and excessive wear on the feet at the bottom of the mouse.

If you prioritize control or are accustomed to using high DPI settings for gaming, we recommend using a softer and rougher surface for your mouse pad.

On the other hand, if you prefer smoother experiences or play games with low DPI settings, we suggest using a smoother surface for your mouse pad. Based on these general directions, everyone can choose different types of pads according to their preferences.

However, since everyone has different tactile preferences, it is necessary to try out different options to find what suits you best. Moreover, due to variations in adhesive properties and optical sensors among mice models, performance may differ when used with different materials for your chosen pad. Users should select their ideal match based on personal habits and the specific mice they use.

Furthermore, many mice have features that recognize specific types of pads, which can also impact user experience. We often see professional gamers bringing their mice and pads to esports events; this demonstrates how much influence a suitable pad has on optimizing the gameplay experience. Therefore, we hope that everyone finds their perfect fit so they can fully enjoy gaming.

Diipoo offers over ten sizes for its range of mouse pads; feel free to choose one that suits you best!

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